Formula One return for Bernoldi
25 Aug 2004

Former Arrows Grand Prix driver Enrique Bernoldi will be back at the wheel of a Formula One car next month when he takes part in the first of two tests for BAR. Bernoldi will test alongside the teams third driver Anthony Davidson at Jerez in September and October and the Honda-powered squad has also agreed a future option on the Brazilians testing services.

Bernoldi, 25, joined Arrows in 2001 and was retained in 2002 until the team went into receivership. Since then he has competed in the World Series by Nissan Championship and currently lies second in the drivers' standings.

"We are delighted to welcome Enrique to the team for this brief but crucial period in our testing programme, said BAR technical director Geoff Willis. He has 28 F1 race starts to his name and possesses the solid F1 experience that will help us to achieve as much continuity as possible in the latter part of the season.

The end of the five-week testing ban means that all of the teams will now be ramping up their efforts to fight for every available opportunity for points and championship position. We are no exception in this and so Enrique will have a couple of very busy tests for us."

Of his Formula One return, Bernoldi commented: "This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I cannot wait to drive the car. When I had to leave F1 two years ago because of the Arrows situation, I was only 23 years old and still had a lot to prove.

"Hearing the news about the opportunity to help BAR with their development programme was something else! I visited the BAR factory a few days ago for a seat fitting and to meet the engineers. Sitting in the car was a very special moment.

BAR are third in the 2004 constructors standings on 83 points, just eight behind second-placed rivals Renault, with five rounds of the season remaining.

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